Help: Introductions Not Going Well

[Mariah]

I introduced my two female guinea pigs to each other about a week ago. (one is approx 6-7months old (S'mores), the other about 3months old(Pebbles))

Initial introductions seemed to go relatively well, but there was a lot of back-and-forth dominance behavior. Most originally initiated by the young one, Pebbles, who would then RUN AWAY the second S'mores looked at her. However, the older one, S'mores, has been getting more aggressive as time goes on, and it looked at least for a while like she was trying to cut Pebbles off of the food (there are two dishes, two water bottles, two hay bags and a hay pile) so I started feeding the girls most of their veggies during lap-time. Pebbles also whines whenever S'mores gets too near her, a very high persistent squeaking (she seems to be a talker in general).

Pebbles also spends a lot of time burrowing under things, which I'm not sure is just because she likes being under fleece and paper, or if she's hiding from her cage-mate.

Recently I've noticed that S'mores has been bopping Pebbles with her nose a lot, and today I caught her lunging at Pebbles with mouth open. There's been no blood yet, but after that I did put a divider in their cage (about 5 minutes ago). Pebbles initially did a bit of exploring and a couple popcorns at the divider, but now both have been trying to break through it.

I'm worried about the escalating aggressive behavior, (and their chewing the divider-it is metal)and I just don't have the space to have two pairs of guinea pigs if this pair doesn't work out--I'd have to give Pebbles back to the rescue (and I really don't want to, but if its best for the pig...)

 

[Wiebke]

As both want to go back together, I would frankly not worry. Yes, there is some dominance and quite a bit of posturing going on (the whining is simply submission), but the bond IS working and it will not end up in a fight. Each relationship is unique; some are more lively than others. You have made the acid test when separating. Your two girls have given you their vote - they want to stay together. Your two youngsters will eventually settle down if you leave them.

 

[Mariah]

Thank you for the advice.

I pulled out the divider, and it seemed to take them a little while to realize it was gone (I left the room so they'd actually go wandering). I came back, caught S'mores lunging at Pebbles again, but they both have decided to sleep at the same end of the cage now--with most of the cage width between them, but that's the closest I've seen them stay near each other, anytime they're closer Pebbles whines/runs away.

Should I still be concerned about the escalating dominance behavior? Is there something I should be keeping an eye out for (other than all-out wounding)?